From a small island in Spain to a small town in Louisville, Nebraska, this school year is a little different for junior Amelia Perez Medina.
During last school year the process of becoming a foreign exchange student came into play for Perez Medina. Scholarship rules, a temporary visa and learning where she'd be staying were part of the planning process.
On August 4th Perez Medina was on the way to the airport and many emotions arose within the family. Perez Medina was about to be thousands of miles away from home.
“I didn't realize that I was actually leaving until I got to the airport and saw my dad crying,” Perez Medina said.
When she arrived in America, she was met with her host family whom she had spoken to on many video calls. The Wittes. They met Amelia with a sign and a welcoming smile.
“My first impression of them was to give them all a hug and that Keegan was really tall,” Perez Medina said. “I was also welcomed with my own room filled with little gifts like my dance sweatshirt, and a water bottle.”
Freshman Charley Witte is one half of the host siblings for Amelia.
“I kinda felt like I had to be the one to show her around and get her used to everything… But her own personality definitely got her out there,” Witte said.
When the first day of school arrived, Amelia was a bit shocked by how different Louisville’s school was from her school in Spain. In addition to getting to know her classmates, Medina Perez is now a part of the school's dance team and the one act play.
“We don't have sports at school; they're all either outside or you just don't play. The grading is also different back at home. We use numbers and below a 50 is failing,” Perez Medina said.
Though things are different, she's learned to adapt to it all and even can't wait to experience certain holidays.
“Im most excited for Christmas, seeing the snow, the decor, and all the spirit and joy it will bring.”
Even being thousands of miles away from home, the support and love that's been given has helped Perez Medina feel welcomed and already wanting to return in the future.